Clamp for ensuring lateral contact between axial-post and laterally-constrictable connector

ABSTRACT

There is provided a removable tightener clamp for ensuring lateral contact between an axial-post and a laterally constrictable connector (such as a dual-prongs connector on a current-carrying cable). For chemical action type batteries, such as in the automobile battery environmental situation, each of the two battery terminal-posts and their respective dual-prongs connectors gradually chemically erode to such dimensional extent that it is impossible to maintain an electrically conductive relationship therebetween. The novel tightener clamp herein is adapted to enclose therewithin the chemically eroded dual-prongs connector and its axial terminal post and to apply lateral pressure against one of the connector prongs whereby electrically conductive relationship between the terminal-post and the connector is effected and maintained.

United States Patent Julian [451 Sept. 26, 1972 1 CLAMP FOR ENSURINGLATERAL CONTACT BETWEEN AXIAL-POST AND LATERALLY-CONSTRICTABLE CONNECTOR[72] inventor: Robert A. Julian, 1608 Brenda Drive, Bellevue, Nebr.68005 221 Filed: Dec.7, 1970 21 Appl.No.:95,530

[52] US. Cl ..339/224, 339/237 [51] Int. Cl. ..l-l0lr 11/26 [58] Fieldof Search ..339/224-240 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS2,622,120 12/1952 Knasko et al. ..339/232 2,341,748 2/1944 Webb..339/225 Primary Examiner-Joseph l-l. McGlynn Attorney-George R. Nimmer[57] ABSTRACT There is provided a removable tightener clamp for ensuringlateral contact between an axial-post and a laterally constrictableconnector (such as a dualprongs connector on a current-carrying cable).For chemical action type batteries, such as in the automobile batteryenvironmental situation, each of the two battery terminal-posts andtheir respective dual-prongs connectors gradually chemically erode tosuch dimensional extent that it is impossible to maintain anelectrically conductive relationship therebetween. The novel tightenerclamp herein is adapted to enclose therewithin the chemically erodeddual-prongs connector and its axial terminal post and to apply lateralpressure against one of the connector prongs whereby electricallyconductive relationship between the terminal-post and the connector iseffected and maintained.

4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED W26 3 .694, 798

ROE/PT 4. JUL /A/V INVENTOR.

BY 9M K W ATTO R N EY CLAMP FOR ENSURING LATERAL CONTACT BETWEENAXIAL-POST AND LATERALLY- CONSTRICTABLE CONNECTOR In the electricalarts, it is oftentimes necessary to conduct electricity between apost-like, i.e. axialpost, conductor and an elongate cable-likeconductor; in this regard the cable-like conductor commonly carries aconnector terminus which is applied in electrically conductiverelationship to the axial-post conductor. Oftentimes the connectorterminus is laterally constrictable whereby maximal physical contact isattainable between the connector and the axial-post conductor,especially where the axial-post has the tendency to gradually chemicallyerode to progressively smaller diameters as is the situation forterminal-posts of chemical action type batteries, as found inautomobiles, marine craft, etc. In the automobile battery prior art,laterally constrictable metallic connectors of the dual-prongs type areprevalent, including the presence of threaded bolts, springs, or otherlateral adjustment means on the connector prongs to maintain lateralcontact between the erodeable terminal-post and: the connector. However,with continued erosion, the laterally adjustment means on thedual-prongs connector becomes non-functional or even broken away, thusnecessitating laborious and expensive replacement of the dual-prongsconnector at the end of the currentcarrying conductive cable. Suchreplacement of the dual-prongs connector is a tedious laborious tasknecessitating severing of the cable and then de-insulating its end;oftentimes the severing renders the cable too short to reach theterminal-post and the entire cable assembly must be replaced.

It is accordingly the general object of the present invention to providea means for ensuring lateral contact between an axial-post conductor(such as the corrodible terminal-post of an automobile battery) and alaterally constrictable connector (such as the corrodible dual-prongsconnector on a current-carrying cable) even though the axial-post andthe connector have become severely dimensionally eroded, even to theextent that the connector lateral adjustment means is non-functional orbroken away.

It is a specific object of the present invention to provide a terminalclamp which might be removably applied to a severely dimensionallyeroded and damaged dual-prongs connector for an automobile batteryterminal-post whereby electrically conductive lateral contact betweenthe eroded connector and terminal-post is re-established and thereaftermaintained even during ensuing chemical erosion of the connector andterminal-post.

It is another object to provide an economical and exceedingly simplemeans for ensuring electrically conductive lateral contact between adimensionally corroded battery terminal-post and a corrodibly damagedand eroded dual-prongs connector terminus for a current-carrying cable,without the necessity for severing, de-insulating, or otherwise alteringor even replacing the conductor cable assembly.

It is a further object to provide an economical and effective terminalclamp for the purposes aforedescribed, which is amenable to a variety ofsituations wherein a laterally constrictable connector is utilized incombination with an axial-post and for a variety of environmentalsituations including for automobile battery and analagous installations.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view, which willbecome more apparent as this description proceeds, there is hereinprovided a tightener clamp for ensuring lateral contact between anaxialpost (such as the corrodible terminal-post of a chemical actiontype battery) and a laterally constrictable connector (such as adual-prongs connector on a current-carrying cable); the tightener clampgenerally comprises a laterally rigid upright main body disposed along avertical-axis and adapted to enclose therewithin both the axial-post andthe dual-prongs annular connector therefor, together with a threadedstud threadedly engaged with the tightener clamp main body and. having aleading end adapted to bear firmly against one of the connector prongswhereby the main body vertical-axis becomes securely laterally offsetfrom and substantially parallel to the axial-post center line.

In the drawing, wherein like characters refer to like parts in theseveral views, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a typical environmental situationfor the tightener clamp of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates atypical electrically conductive axial-post, specifically as a chemicalaction type automobile battery having a pair of terminal-posts. FIG. 2illustrates a typical laterally constrictable connector for anaxial-post, specifically as a dual-prongs type connector at the end of acurrent-carrying cable.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, as seen from the upper side, of arepresentative embodiment of the tightener clamp of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, as seen from the lower side, of the FIG. 3embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the FIGS. 3 and 4 tightener clampembodiment shown in operable combination with the environmentalsituation alluded to in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view taken along lines 6--6 of FIGS.1-5.

Turning initially to the typical environmental situation alluded to inFIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical chemical action type battery90, as for generating direct current electricity for an automobilestarter, such batteries typically comprising an electrically insulativerectangular casing for housing the active chemicals. Extending upwardlyfrom the battery casing horizontal top-panel 91 is at least oneelectrically conductive upright metallic axial-post, herein including anelectrically positive cylindrical anode 94 and electrically negativecylindrical cathode 95. Each terminalpost is disposed along a verticalpost-axis (e.g. postaxes 96 and 97 for terminal-posts 94 and 95,respectively), and each terminal-post has an upper free end, e.g. freeend 99 for terminal-post 95, located remotely above casing top-panel 91.The electrical energy developed by battery is conducted to an externalelectrically actuatable mechanism (such as an automobile starter)through suitable current-carrying conductor cables, e.g. 70, 75, saidconductor cable end carrying a laterally-constrictable connector, e.g.80. Thus, there is an electrically conductive path extending laterallyfrom axial-post to connector 80 and thence along main conductor cable 70to an arbitrarily selected electrically actuated system (not shown).

A prevalent type laterally-constrictable connector for axial-posts isthe dual-prongs annular connector 80 illustrated in FIG. 2. Connector 80commonly comprises a pair of opposed spaced-apart metallic prongs 81 and82, prongs 81 and 82 being typically provided of lead metal appropriatefor use with automobile batteries, e.g. 90. Prongs 81 and 82 areintegrally connected together at 83, which is at their electricallyconductive juncture with main current-carrying cable 70 and branchground cable 75. However, prongs 81 and 82 are laterally spaced apart attransverse gap 84 (remote of the interprongs tubular connection 83)whereby said prongs can be laterally moved toward each other, as by athreaded bolt 87 and nut 88, to ensure actual contact between prongs81-82 and the axial-post therebetween. In this vein, the respectiveprongs 81-82 are typically semi-circular appropriate to cylindricalaxial-posts 94-95, and the respective prongs carry coparallel terminalflanges 85 and 86, bolt 87 passing through said flanges 85-86. Batteryterminal-post 95 and connector 80 are subject to corrosion, oftentimesto such extent that flanges 85-86 disappear whereby lateral pressurebetween prongs 81-82 is wholly lacking and electrical current cannoteffectively flow between cable 70 and a battery terminal-post. However,the tightener clamp C" of the present invention ensures an electricallyconductive relationship even when corrosion problems are so severe as toeliminate elements 85-88.

In general, the tightener clamp C" comprises a main body extending alonga vertical-axis 9, said main body 10 including a pair of rigidly spacedapart opposed sidewalls 11 and 12, together with a threaded studthreadedly engaged with and intersecting one of the main body sidewalls(herein sidewall 12) whereby the stud leading end 21 is disposed betweenthe sidewalls. In the automobile battery environmental situation, thedual-prongs connector 80 (with elements 85-88 removed) surrounds aterminal-post 95 adjacent to casing top-panel 91. Main body sidewalls 11and 12 are disposed alongside connector prongs 81 and 82, respectively,with the inter-sidewalls laterally extending rigidifying means, e.g. 13,14, 17, being disposed wholly rearwardly and upwardly of inter-prongstubular connection 83 and cable 70. Threaded stud leading end 21 bearsfirmly against connector prong 82 causing clamp sidewall 11 to bearagainst the other prong 81 (main body vertical-axis 9 thus beinglaterally offset from and parallel to post-axis 97) whereby inter-prongsgap 84 is caused to decrease thereby ensuring electrically conductivelateral contact between terminal-post 95 and both connector prongs81-82.

Specifically, the main body 10 of the preferred tightener clamp C ofFIGS. 3-6 comprises in addition to sidewalls 11 and 12 an upper side(e.g. centrally perforate roof 17), a lower side (e.g. edge 16 attoppanel 91), a forward end (e.g. at 14), and a rearward end (e.g.rearwall 13). The respective sidewalls 11 and 12 are preferably arcuate,i.e. spaced a constant radial distance from vertical-axis 9, appropriateto bear evenly against the common semi-circular type prongs, i.e. 81,82. Main body portion 10 further comprises laterally extendingrigidifying means attached to the respective sidewalls 11 and 12 so asto fix the lateral distance therebetween. The laterally extendingrigidifying means is disposed remote of the lower forward regions of therespective sidewalls 11 and 12 whereby main body 10 is adapted toenclose therewithin a terminal-post and also the respective laterallyseparated prongs, e.g. 81 and 82, of a dual-prongs connector, while alsonot spatially interfering with the connector cable, e.g. 70, 75.Specifically herein, the laterally extending rigidifying means comprisesthe combination of convex roof panel 17, upright rearwall 13, andupright frontwall 14 having slotted portion 15 (to accommodateinter-prongs tubular connection 83).

A high degree of force must be exerted through threaded stud 20 tosufficiently laterally deflect a typical connector prong, e.g. 82,toward a terminal-post, which necessitates peculiarly sturdy lateralrigidifying means for the main body 10. For example, an upwardly convexmetallic roof 17 in structurally continuous relationship, e.g.cast-iron, with the sidewalls 11 and 12 provides unusually good lateralrigidity. Central perforation 18 for roof 1? at vertical-axis 9 allowsthe periodic introduction of mildly acidic solution therethrough wherebycorrosion salts might be cleansed from the juncture of terminal-post andprongs 81-82. An arcuate configuration for rearwall l3 and frontwall 14,each spaced a constant radial distance from vertical-axis 9, alsoprovide unusual lateral rigidity between sidewalls 11 and 12. Thepreferred laterally rigid configuration is wherein the said four members11-14 are of the said arcuate form together with upwardly convex roof17, all five members being in structurally continuous, e.g. cast iron,relationship. In such preferred configuration, lower side 16 is arcuate(about 300 -320) and spaced a constant radial distance fromvertical-axis 9.

Horizontal threaded stud 20 passes through and is threadedly engagedwith a main body sidewall, e.g. 12, 11, said stud 20 being substantiallyperpendicular to vertical-axis 9. Threaded stud 20 has a leading end 21disposed internally of body 10 between sidewalls 11 and 12 and beingadapted to bear against a connector prong, e.g. 82, midway between gap84 and juncture 83. Stud 20 also includes a polygonal head end 22disposed externally of main body 10 laterally outwardly of a sidewall.Polygonal head end 22 is preferably also provided with a slotted portion23 whereby the torque suppliable to stud 20 for bearing against aconnector prong might be with either wrench or screwdriver. Stud 20might also carry a threaded lock-nut 24 disposed laterally outwardly ofa sidewall. Both sidewalls might be provided with a threaded opening,e.g. 19, whereby stud 20 might be selectively employed on eithersidewall appropriate to the environmental situation encountered. Whenthe removable tightener clamp C is in place, as indicated in FIGS. 5 and6, stud leading end 21 bears against and laterally deflects one prong,e.g. 82, while the other prong, e.g. 81, concurrently bears directlyagainst a main body sidewall, e.g. 11. Thus as clamp C" maintains prongs81 and 82 laterally against terminal-post 95, main body vertical-axis 9is laterally offset from post-axis 97 toward stud 20 as is clearlyindicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As future gradual corrosion of elements81-82 and 95 ensues, periodic tightening of stud 20 will maintainlateral contact therebetween.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the terminal clampwill be readily understood and further explanation is believed to beunnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction shown and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A tightener clamp for ensuring lateral contact between an axial-postand a laterally constrictable connector therefor, said tightener clampcomprising: a main body having a closed rearward end and an open forwardend and comprising a pair of opposed upright arcuate sidewalls rigidlylaterally spaced apart with an arcuate upright rearwall providing themain body closed rearward end, the lower extremities of said opposedsidewalls and intervening rearwall defining for the main body an arcuatelower side, said arcuate lower side extending sectorially within therange of about 300320 and thereby including a lateral finite separationbetween the forward extremities of the opposed sidewalls at the mainbody forward end, said main body also including an upwardly convex rooflocated at and integrally connected to upper portions of said sidewalls,the two main body sidewalls being provided with horizontally alignedthreaded perforations; and a horizontal threaded stud threadedly engagedwith an upright sidewall, said horizontal stud having a leading enddisposed between the main body sidewalls and being relatively movablefrom one sidewall toward the other sidewall, said stud having a headedtrailing end adapted to be removably engaged with a suitable torquesource for rotating the threaded stud.

2. In combination with a chemical action type storage battery includingat least one electrically conductive axial-post having an upper end andthat is provided with a dual-prongs type laterally constrictableconnector, a tightener clamp for ensuring lateral contact between theaxial-post and the two connector prongs, said tightener clamp comprisinga pair of opposed upright sidewalls located alongside the respectiveprongs and rigidly spaced apart in opposed relationship with a laterallyextending rigidifying means attached to the respective sidewalls, and ahorizontal threaded stud threadedly engaged with one of the tightenerclamp sidewalls, said horizontal stud having a leading end locatedbetween the sidewalls and bearing firmly removably against one of theconnector prongs whereby the other sidewall bears against the otherconnector prong.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the two laterally separatedconnector prongs merge together and are attached to an electricallyconductive cable; and wherein the laterally extending rigidifying meansfor the tightener clamp is wholly disposed rearwardly remote of thecable juncture between the two connector prongs.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the laterally extendingrigidifying means includes a laterally extending generally horizontalroof integrally connected to the sidewalls and overlying the batteryaxial-post and includes a laterally extending upright rigid rearwallconnected to the respective sidewalls and the roof of the tightenerclamp.

1. A tightener clamp for ensuring lateral contact between an axial-postand a laterally constrictable connector therefor, said tightener clampcomprising: a main body having a closed rearward end and an open forwardend and comprising a pair of opposed upright arcuate sidewalls rigidlylaterally spaced apart with an arcuate upright rearwall providing themain body closed rearward end, the lower extremities of said opposedsidewalls and intervening rearwall defining for the main body an arcuatelower side, said arcuate lower side extending sectorially within therange of about 300* -320* and thereby including a lateral finiteseparation between the forward extremities of the opposed sidewalls atthe main body forward end, said main body also including an upwardlyconvex roof located at and integrally connectEd to upper portions ofsaid sidewalls, , the two main body sidewalls being provided withhorizontally aligned threaded perforations; and a horizontal threadedstud threadedly engaged with an upright sidewall, said horizontal studhaving a leading end disposed between the main body sidewalls and beingrelatively movable from one sidewall toward the other sidewall, saidstud having a headed trailing end adapted to be removably engaged with asuitable torque source for rotating the threaded stud.
 2. In combinationwith a chemical action type storage battery including at least oneelectrically conductive axial-post having an upper end and that isprovided with a dual-prongs type laterally constrictable connector, atightener clamp for ensuring lateral contact between the axial-post andthe two connector prongs, said tightener clamp comprising a pair ofopposed upright sidewalls located alongside the respective prongs andrigidly spaced apart in opposed relationship with a laterally extendingrigidifying means attached to the respective sidewalls, and a horizontalthreaded stud threadedly engaged with one of the tightener clampsidewalls, said horizontal stud having a leading end located between thesidewalls and bearing firmly removably against one of the connectorprongs whereby the other sidewall bears against the other connectorprong.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the two laterally separatedconnector prongs merge together and are attached to an electricallyconductive cable; and wherein the laterally extending rigidifying meansfor the tightener clamp is wholly disposed rearwardly remote of thecable juncture between the two connector prongs.
 4. The combination ofclaim 3 wherein the laterally extending rigidifying means includes alaterally extending generally horizontal roof integrally connected tothe sidewalls and overlying the battery axial-post and includes alaterally extending upright rigid rearwall connected to the respectivesidewalls and the roof of the tightener clamp.